A GEORGE III SILVER NAVAL PRESENTATION CUP AND COVER, William Pitts & Joseph Preedy, retailed by William Drury, 1795

the stand formed of three anchors with borders and handles of rope, the lower body decorated with shells below medallions topped by oak sprays, the cover with military trophies, Orpheus figure finial

The arms are those of Newcome quartering Maudesley for the recipient, Captain Henry Newcome, R. N., eldest son of Henry Newcome, a schoolmaster at Hackney (1735-1800) and his wife Mary Maudesley.  Captain Newcome was born in 1760.

Captain Henry Newcome, R.N.
Victor Niederhoffer Collection, sold
Sotheby's, New York, 15 December 1998, lot 158

pushed down at back & one anchor tip bent, could use straightening. ?Something missing at upper handle brackets, possibly lacquered, otherwise good condition, unusual & possibly unique design
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The inscription reads "Merchant Seamens Office Jan. 22nd 1796, Meeting of the Committee for Encouraging the Capture of French Privateers Armed Vessells, Etc. SIR RICHD. NEAVE BARt. in the Chair resolved that CAPTn. NEWCOME of his Majesty's Ship ORPHEUS be requested to Accept a piece of plate value one Hundred Guineas in testimony of his Signal Service in the Protection of the Commerce of this Country by the Capture of ye. French Frigate LA DUQUAYTEOUIN [sic] of very Superior force."

On 5 May 1794, a British squadron consisting of the 32-gun frigate, Orpheus, led by Captain Newcome, the 50-gun ship Centurion, and the 44-gun ship Resistance, encountered two French ships, the 34-gun Duguay-Trouin and the brig-corvette Vulcan off the coast of the Isle de France.  The two squadrons engaged in a fierce battle lasting approximately one-hour-and-twenty-minutes, in which the superior sailing Orpheus obtained an advantageous position upon Duguay-Trouin's starboard quarter.  Orpheus continued to fire upon Duguay-Trouin until "her bowspirit shot through...and having sustained considerable loss in killed and wounded, struck her colours" (William James, The Naval History of Great Britain, London, 1837, vol. I.. p. 203).